More Discussion Ahead on Sidney, MT Sugarbeet Plant Spin-Off

Published December 7, 2018

Addressing stakeholders during the annual meeting, American Crystal Sugar Company board chairman Curt Knutson says there’s more discussion ahead regarding a potential deal between ACSC and the Big Sky Sugar Cooperative. Big Sky intends to take ownership of a Sidney, Montana sugarbeet processing plant. “We can’t get into the details of the sale, but the ball is in their court,” explains Knutson, who farms at Fisher, Minnesota. “They seem to be willing to move forward. We’re progressing toward that end.” American Crystal Sugar Company President and CEO Tom Astrup is hopeful the transfer will be wrapped up by the 2019 planting season. “In the long run, it’s a more efficient, sustainable business model for the plant to be directly owned by the local growers.”